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Published on: August 5, 2013
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Protein-Based Three-Dimensional Whispering-Gallery-Mode Micro-Lasers with Stimulus-Responsiveness.
Yun-Lu Sun1, Zhi-Shan Hou2, Si-Ming Sun1
1State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012,China.
Scientific Reports
|August 5, 2015
Summary
Researchers created the first 3D whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microlasers using proteins as the host material. These biocompatible biolasers demonstrate tunable lasing spectra and stable operation in air and water.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Photonics
- Laser Technology
Background:
- Proteins are biocompatible and designable macromolecule materials.
- Whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microlasers require specific host materials for fabrication.
- Previous microlasers often relied on synthetic polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop the first 3D WGM microlasers using proteins as the host material.
- To investigate the performance and tunability of protein-based microlasers.
- To explore potential applications in biosensing and biophotonics.
Main Methods:
- Multiphoton femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) was employed for fabrication.
- Protein/Rhodamine B (RhB) composite biopolymer served as the optical gain medium.
- High-viscosity aqueous protein ink and optimized scanning modes were utilized.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated 3D protein-based WGM microlasers with true 3D geometry and smooth morphology.
- Achieved stable operation in air and aqueous environments with a quality (Q) value of several thousands without annealing.
- Demonstrated responsive spectral tuning (~2.59-nm blueshift) via Na2SO4 concentration changes, maintaining performance stability.
Conclusions:
- Protein-based 3D WGM microlasers offer a promising biocompatible alternative to synthetic polymer microlasers.
- The tunable lasing spectrum and stable operation highlight potential for optical biosensing.
- These biolasers could advance novel photonic biosystems and bioengineering applications.
